Sixers Avoid Embarrassment with Clutch Mid-Range Shooting

Quentin Grimes and Justin Edwards lead Sixers' fourth-quarter comeback against Nets

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:11am

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The Philadelphia Sixers narrowly avoided a colossal collapse against the Brooklyn Nets, coming back from a 28-point deficit to win 104-97. Quentin Grimes scored 15 of his team-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, including several clutch mid-range jumpers, to seal the victory. Justin Edwards also had a big game, scoring 19 points and providing a spark off the bench when the Sixers were struggling.

Why it matters

The Sixers' ability to rally back from a huge deficit and win the game was crucial, as a loss would have been demoralizing heading into a back-to-back against the Portland Trail Blazers. The performance of Grimes and Edwards also highlighted the importance of the mid-range shot, which the Sixers have traditionally underutilized according to the analytics.

The details

The Sixers had built a 28-point lead by the third quarter, but the Nets went on a 28-9 run to open the fourth quarter and tie the game. Grimes then took over, hitting three mid-range jumpers in the final 12 minutes to give the Sixers the lead for good. Edwards also played a key role, scoring 11 points in the second half and showing confidence in his counter moves off the dribble.

  • The Sixers had a 28-point lead with 7:39 left in the third quarter.
  • The Nets went on a 28-9 run to open the fourth quarter, tying the game.
  • Quentin Grimes hit three mid-range jumpers in the final 12 minutes to give the Sixers the lead.
  • The Sixers won the game 104-97 on Saturday afternoon.

The players

Quentin Grimes

A Sixers guard who scored a team-high 28 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Sixers' comeback.

Justin Edwards

A Sixers forward who scored 19 points and provided a spark off the bench when the Sixers were struggling.

Nick Nurse

The Sixers' head coach, who praised Grimes and Edwards for their performances in the comeback win.

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What they’re saying

“Well, right now he's got to score. I think that he did what he saw today. They're pressing him up really hard to get him inside the line.”

— Nick Nurse, Sixers Head Coach

“Just different personnel out there on the court. I have the ball a little bit more in my hand. There's a little more space. Defenses are just keying into the 3 ball and driving and stuff like that. So just trying to get to my spot, wherever it's open, try to take what the defense gives me. Today, the mid-range happened to be one of those shots that I was able to get and knock down at a high level.”

— Quentin Grimes

“Obviously he scored the ball with some nice decisions and moves in there. Bunch of turning into the middle of the paint, 12 or 13 feet. Nice decisions.”

— Nick Nurse, Sixers Head Coach

“I've always had it. But that's something I do in my workout a lot. It presented itself a lot today. So I just took the shot because I was comfortable with it.”

— Justin Edwards, Sixers Forward

“The way my workouts are, it's like game actions. The same shots I will get in the game are the same shots I will shoot in the workout. Only thing that's different is there's someone closing out to me.”

— Justin Edwards, Sixers Forward

What’s next

The Sixers will host the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, the second leg of a back-to-back, looking to build on their comeback win against the Nets.

The takeaway

The Sixers' ability to rally back from a large deficit and win with clutch mid-range shooting from Grimes and Edwards shows the value of having a balanced offensive attack, even in an analytics-driven NBA. The performance also highlighted the growth of young players like Edwards, who is earning more trust from the coaching staff.